Ollie Watkins Revealed as the Most Loved Premier League Player on Social Media

Using emotional reactions and post engagements, we have been able to determine the most loved player in the Premier League across social media.

Being a football fan is an inherently tribal endeavour, and long-standing rivalries often mean the difference between liking a player or despising them.

However, some players – putting rivalries aside – are able to break the mould, whether it be for the right or the wrong reasons.

SportsCasting have analysed every Premier League footballer’s popularity online by using social media tool Buzzsumo to examine engagement and emotional reactions to articles.

Focusing on the percentage of ‘love’ and ‘angry’ reactions over the past year, we have narrowed down the results to a Top 20 list of the most loved and hated players based on these reactions.

Most Hated Premier League Player on Social Media

Starting with players who have received the most ‘angry’ reactions, it is interesting to note that Liverpool occupy the top two.

It is a surprise to see Alexis Mac Allister listed at number two given the Argentine is a quiet presence on and off the pitch. His angry reacts percentage of 14% likely stems from rival fans poking fun at him after netting several important winners for the Reds last season.

However, it is his Liverpool teammate Luis Diaz who snatches the award for the most hated player on social media.

Although no doubt an exceptional winger, the Colombian is no stranger to theatrics in the tackle and somewhat petulant behaviour towards referees; the perfect storm for keyboard warriors to take aim.

Elsewhere, Jeremy Doku (9%) Declan Rice (7%) are surprising inclusions in the top four.

Most Loved Premier League Player on Social Media

At the other end of the spectrum, Aston Villa marksman Ollie Watkins takes the crown for the most loved Premier League player on social media.

Not long after clocking in with 32 goal involvements last year to help Villa qualify for the Champions League, Watkins cemented himself in English folklore after last-gasp heroics in the Euro semi-final against the Netherlands.

This will have undoubtedly helped his cause, and we are certain his title-ending blow at Arsenal will have earned him a few extra hits.

Most Loved Players By Club

We have also been able to determine the most loved players at each club, and it has thrown a few surprise names our way.

Despite being out for almost the entirety of last season, fan-favourite Jurrien Timber is Arsenal’s most loved player on social media. After a glittering performance in the North London derby last time out, it is clear to see why.

Elsewhere, Rico Lewis has beaten the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland as City’s most loved player, while Southampton’s Jan Bednarek had the highest percentage of any player with 98%.